Brand X Phil Collins / England, UK 08.29.1976

Brand X, with Phil Collins joining the band, made a sensational debut in 1976. Two superb live albums that capture the raw energy of that initial period are being released simultaneously. This album is the second of those two simultaneous releases, a superb audience recording of their August 29, 1976 performance at the Reading Festival. Brand X’s debut year was limited to only about 10 shows, perhaps to accommodate Phil’s busy schedule. Among them, their appearance at the Reading Festival was the absolute highlight. First, let’s take a look at their activities at the time and explore their position within the music scene. 《February: GENESIS ‘A TRICK OF THE TAIL’ released》・February 20: London performance *February 26: ‘LIVE 1976 (BBC session)’ 《June 18: ‘UNORTHODOX BEHAVIOUR’ released》 *July 15: ‘LIVE 1976 (BBC session)’ *July 30: ‘MARQUEE 1976’ ・August 2: John Peel session *August 29: Reading Festival ←★This album★ ・September 2: London performance ←※Official LIVESTOCK ・November 12-20: UK (3 performances) 《December 17: GENESIS ‘WIND & WUTHERING’ released》The ultimate record that was unveiled to the world on the biggest stage. This is BRAND X in 1976. Although omitted above, Genesis’s “A Trick of the Tail Tour” ended on July 11th, immediately followed by a switch to Brand X. After several media appearances and showcases, their world debut was finally at the Reading Festival. This release, capturing that highlight performance, boasts an incredibly clear and superb recording. As avid collectors may have noticed, their Reading recording was also included on Disc 2 of “Live 1976.” However, this is a completely different recording. Moreover, it’s a top-of-the-line updated version with significant upgrades in both length and sound. First, the length. It’s on a completely different level. The tracklist itself appears to be the same as the “Live 1976” master, but the running time is about 13 minutes longer. It also includes plenty of unnamed jams. An ultra-clear sound that conveys the atmosphere of that historic heatwave. And then there’s the sound. It’s simply beyond the norm for 70s audiences. In the crystal-clear air, the distinct contours of the music dance and dance, and each note spun by the five musicians intertwines intricately yet never blends together. Reading is an open-air stage set up in a vast field, and the sense of openness with zero reverberation is wonderful. Of course, there are drawbacks to being outdoors; even a slight misstep in positioning can result in a thin, distant sound, and it is also susceptible to the effects of wind and other weather conditions. However, none of that is apparent in this recording. Britain was hit by a historic heatwave in 1976 (1976 British Isles heatwave), and you can feel the clear skies and dry air from the sound. A performance so intense that even the heatwave feels cool The performance depicted with such an ultra-clear sound is so intense that even the heatwave feels cool. Starting with a relaxed jam, the intertwined phrases are very sharp and the rhythms are diverse. The tension gradually rises, leading into “Running on Three.” The high energy of “Kugelblitz” is overwhelming, and the intricate performance soars while incorporating Phil’s MCs that are unique to a live stage. The highlight is the final track, “Nuclear Burn.” The passionate performance featuring Phil’s drum solo is utterly ferocious. His meticulously detailed rhythm work showcases his incredible skill, one of the best in the progressive rock world. If the simultaneously released “MARQUEE 1976” has a thick, enclosed sound, this album has an ultra-clear outdoor sound. While possessing contrasting personalities, both are sister works that capture the initial impulses of their debut year from both sides. This is a superb audience recording of the “August 29, 1976 Reading Festival performance.” It is a separate recording from the Reading recording on “LIVE 1976,” and is about 13 minutes longer with a significantly upgraded sound. This is a top-of-the-line updated version that allows you to experience the highlight performance of their debut year firsthand with an ultra-clear outdoor sound. Reading Festival, Richfield Avenue, Reading, England 29th August 1976 (50:46) 01. Intro Jam > Running On Three 10:43 02. Jam > Kugelblitz 14:23 03. Why Should I Lend You Mine 9:22 04. Malaga Virgen 8:48 05. Nuclear Burn 7:26 total time 50:44 min. lineup John Goodsall – guitar Robin Lumley – keyboards Phil Collins – drums Percy Jones – bass Preston Heyman – percussion